E-scooter rules by state

By the end of this topic you can

• You can find out whether private e-scooters are legal in your state
• You can name the places e-scooters may and may not be ridden where you live
• You can follow speed limits for footpaths, paths and roads
• You can explain the helmet and passenger rules
• You can explain why a hire scooter may be legal where a private one is not

What you need to know and understand

• E-scooter rules vary by state and territory; there is no single national rule
• In NSW, privately owned e-scooters can only be ridden on private property; hire scooters are allowed in approved trial areas
• In Victoria, riders must be at least 16, wear a helmet, keep to 20 km/h and stay off footpaths
• In Queensland, the limits are 12 km/h on footpaths and 25 km/h on other allowed paths and roads, and a helmet is required
• In Western Australia, riders of eRideables must be at least 16 and keep to 10 km/h on footpaths
• In South Australia, the footpath and shared path limit is 10 km/h and road riding needs riders aged 16 or over
• Helmets are required in the states listed here, and carrying passengers is not allowed in Victoria or Queensland

Is your e-scooter legal where you live?

Start with the big question: are private e-scooters allowed on public roads and paths in your state at all? NSW is the main example where they are not, outside private property. Other states and territories, including Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT, allow private e-scooters that meet their device rules, while the Northern Territory has relied mainly on approved hire schemes. Check the current position in your state, because these rules are still changing.

A scooter also has to meet the device rules, such as a top speed limit and size and weight limits. A powerful scooter that goes too fast is not legal to ride on public roads or paths, even in a state that allows e-scooters.

State snapshot

This is a summary only. States have been reviewing their laws, so confirm the details before you ride.

• NSW: private e-scooters on private property only; hire scooters in approved trial areas follow the trial's own rules
• Victoria: 16 and over, helmet required, maximum 20 km/h, no footpaths, allowed on bike lanes, shared paths and roads with limits up to 60 km/h, one rider only
• Queensland: helmet required, 12 km/h on footpaths and 25 km/h on bike paths, shared paths and allowed roads, no passengers
• Western Australia: 16 and over, helmet required, 10 km/h on footpaths, one rider per device
• South Australia: helmet required, 10 km/h on footpaths, shared paths, beaches and when crossing roads, 16 and over to ride on the road
• Tasmania, ACT and NT: check the local road authority for current limits, ages and allowed areas

Rules that apply almost everywhere

Where e-scooters are allowed, riders are treated as road users and must follow the road rules: obey traffic lights and signs, give way as a vehicle would, and keep left. Slow right down near people walking, and give way to pedestrians on any footpath or shared path.

Children's areas need extra care. Many school zones have lower speed limits for vehicles, and the site's guide to school zones by state is worth reading if you ride near schools.

• Wear an approved bicycle helmet, fastened properly
• Do not use a phone while riding
• Never ride after drinking alcohol or using drugs
• Use a light and reflectors at night

Common mistakes

• Assuming one state's rules apply everywhere: check the rules each time you travel interstate
• Riding a private scooter in NSW public places: it is only allowed on private property
• Riding on footpaths in Victoria: footpath riding is not allowed there
• Buying a scooter that goes too fast: an over-powered scooter cannot be ridden legally on public roads or paths
• Doubling up: carrying a passenger is not allowed in states such as Victoria and Queensland

Test yourself: E-scooter rules by state

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Default Speed Limits in Australia, Plus L and P Speed Caps
• School Zone Times in Australia